Detail of Overflowing
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| "The world is our canvas...." |
As goes painting so goes life. So many things I do in painting I realize are metaphors for life. Take brushwork for instance. It is expressive if allowed to be, an extension from our arm which is an extension from our heart (if allowed to be) . Just charging in with a loaded brush can end up in a mess, with lots of scraping and backtracking trying to salvage the original vision and enthusiasm. Being careful though, is not the answer either. Careful is a first cousin to fear. "I must be careful or I will mess it up". Careful becomes picky, indecisive brushwork. Like singing an uncertain note or afraid of making a wrong decision, everything becomes generic and nebulous, not allowing ourselves to come through. Painting like that, as in life, can be perfectly executed (that's a good word, as in DEAD..) but perfectly boring. We all crave real connection with each other. Seeing what's really there, as opposed to a version of what we think is acceptable.
Going with the flow....
And now we come to the thoughtful approach to painting (and life). When I am thoughtful with my brushwork I begin looking for precisely what I want to say. How can I state the rose in the most loving way? What would the value be, how close can I mix that color, and what would the shape of that brushstroke look like? How would I hold my brush, how much pressure, and how would it light and lift off from the canvas? When I answer my questions, then the painting falls together in one beautiful moment. It has poetry, truth and love. I have listened to the painting and what it needed. I have quieted my own needs for wanting to charge in and get things done, and let the painting speak for itself. The joy that comes from this approach is well worth the slowing down and contemplation.
And I find it so in life. Listening to myself, listening to others, then looking at how I may best serve, serves up the real joy in life.
And I find it so in life. Listening to myself, listening to others, then looking at how I may best serve, serves up the real joy in life.
The world is our canvas....how shall we paint it? Let us dip our brushes into hearts overflowing with love.
"Overflowing"
30 x 40in oil on museum quality panel, framed
$3250
Note: This painting is from the series of pieces I did for "Let There Be Love....". Several of the paintings are available for purchase and you can see the entire collection by clicking here. From now until December 31, 2010 these paintings come with free shipping and an autographed copy of the book, "Let There Be Love...". For those local to my area that don't require shipping, the estimated shipping cost will be deducted from the piece. I am also offering flex pay (3 payments spread out of 3 months) to ensure you get the painting you desire..:))
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